Artemisinin IV Therapy in Philadelphia

Artemisinin is a powerful natural compound found in the leaves of Artemisia annua, a plant native to Asia. Also known as sweet wormwood or qinghao, artemisia annua has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fevers, inflammation, and infections for more than a thousand years.

Today, artemisinin is one of the most important malaria treatments available worldwide. It is also growing in popularity as a treatment for some cancers, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Artemisinin can be administered orally, through muscular injection, or via intravenous (IV) drip. IV artemisinin is often called artesunate.

With both ancient herbal wisdom and modern science behind its use, Artemisinin is a promising tool for tackling complex health challenges. Artemisinin therapy is currently used in medical settings for a variety of conditions, including:

• Malaria
• Some Cancers
• Lyme Disease 
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Other Infections

While artemisinin is powerful on its own, it is not a replacement for standard medical treatments such as chemotherapy and antibiotics. Artesunate IV therapy is best used in combination with other medications and therapies to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency.

Artemisinin works differently for each disease and treatment it supports. When delivered intravenously, artemisinin rapidly converts into dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a bioactive compound that spreads throughout the body and attacks parasitic cells, leading to their destruction.

DHA generates free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside those target cells, damaging their internal structures and leading to cell death. This mechanism allows artemisinin to target unwanted cells and cell growth without damaging healthy tissue.

Because IV-administered artemisinin has an extremely short half-life, effective treatment often requires subsequent doses delivered over a number of days or weeks and combined with other therapies to support long-term outcomes. 

Emerging research indicates that Artesminin may serve as an effective complementary therapy alongside standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Preclinical and early clinical studies show promise for IV artemisinin therapy in supporting the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia.

IV artesunate triggers programmed cell death, also called apoptosis, in cancer cells by exploiting their high iron levels to generate cytotoxic ROS. It also inhibits angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation that feeds tumors) and slows metastasis.

That means that artemisinin acts like a targeted weapon against cancer. It uses the cancer cells’ own chemistry to create harmful particles that make the cells self-destruct. It also stops tumors from growing new blood vessels to spread the cancer throughout the body.

In 2022, the Global Lyme Alliance highlighted artemisinin in a publication examining the natural and holistic treatments for Lyme Disease, noting: “This compound exerts powerful antimicrobial effects thanks to its ability to generate free radicals that damage Borrelia burgdorferi proteins.”

Artemisinin has shown potential in targeting not only the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, but other bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, especially when used in combination with other therapies. In addition, research suggests that IV artesunate may support the immune system’s responses to these infections.

As with malaria and cancer, IV-administered artesunate converts to DHA in the body before being transported through the bloodstream to target and destroy iron-rich foreign cells such as borrelia burgdorferi. The Global Lyme Alliance called Artemisia annua and other botanicals “…powerful plants that give new hope in the treatment of this complex condition.”

Artemisinin helps to calm inflammation and support the immune system for patients with autoimmune conditions. Moving throughout the body, artemisinin blocks NF-κB, reducing inflammatory chemicals like IL-6 and TNF-α. It calms overactive T and B cells and boosts regulatory T cells, helping prevent tissue damage. Include antioxidant activity briefly to note ROS neutralization.

In effect, artemisinin calms and suppresses the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body. For those with Lupus and arthritis, studies have shown that artesunate IV therapy can help to ease the symptoms of the disorder, making patients more comfortable and improving their quality of life.

Artemisinin IV therapy is widely used for both adults and children with severe, symptomatic malaria to stop the progression of the disease. Other candidates for IV therapy include patients with breast, lung, and ovarian cancer; lyme disease and other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections; and those experiencing the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.

Artesunate is considered safe for pregnant individuals in their second and third trimester; its use in the first trimester is not recommended at this time. Individuals who use tobacco or have pre-existing kidney or liver damage should also not receive artemisinin IV therapy.

All patients should know that while artemisinin has incredible potential to treat a wide range of conditions, its effects are still being studied. Patients seeking holistic relief from cancer, autoimmune disorders, and long-term illness should always seek out experienced providers like Meeting Point Health to ensure safe and appropriate treatment.

IV artesunate is typically administered slowly over the course of approximately 60 minutes. This technique introduces a concentrated injection of the compound into the bloodstream. Artemisinin works quickly and begins to break down quickly, with a half-life of approximately 15 minutes.

Patients should always drink plenty of fluids before any IV therapy; hydration before and after the session is key. At Meeting Point Health, patients are guided through the process by our medical staff in a comfortable, monitored environment. Our medical team is there to support you every step of the way, from consultation to recovery.

Consultation

Before beginning any treatment, the Meeting Point Health team works to conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, concerns, and goals. Every patient’s needs are different, and so our team creates individualized treatment plans tailored to those needs. In this consultation, we also explain the next steps to prepare you for the infusion and any corresponding therapies and address any concerns you may have.

Treatment 

A typical IV artesunate appointment lasts around 60 minutes.

Artemisinin moves through the bloodstream quickly. Administered as a highly concentrated dose over the course of a couple of minutes, it begins to work immediately and dies out almost as quickly, with a half-life of approximately 15 minutes.

Many patients report feeling immediate effects from the infusion, including more energy and relief from symptoms. Some people experience mild side effects such as nausea and dizziness. These are normal and temporary. Our trained medical staff remains present throughout the treatment to monitor your vitals and ensure your safety.

Multiple sessions are recommended to increase the effectiveness of artemisinin therapy.

Recovery

For the majority of patients, recovery from IV therapy treatments is straightforward, with normal activities resuming immediately after treatment.

Some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, fatigue, or localized discomfort. The experience and length of recovery varies by individual, but we will share post-treatment care instructions to help you get back to your normal routine as soon as possible. Follow-up sessions may also be scheduled to repeat treatment, monitor progress and enhance the treatment’s benefits with corresponding therapies.